Wildlife cameraman and television presenter Hamza Yassin has opened up about the personal significance of his long dreadlocks, revealing that he has not cut his hair in 17 years as an act of rebellion against his mother.
The 32-year-old, who has captivated audiences on Strictly Come Dancing, has managed to perform intricate dance routines without allowing his floor-length hair to become an obstacle. Speaking on This Morning, Yassin recounted how his decision to grow out his hair stemmed from childhood experiences.
“I remember my mum would sit me, my brother, and my dad down and give us all a number two haircut every time,” he said. “One year, I decided I was done, and that was it!”
During an appearance on Good Morning Britain, Yassin confirmed that he has not cut his hair in nearly two decades, apart from occasional trims due to unexpected mishaps.
“There have been bits trimmed off now and then,” he admitted. “I was in the Arctic, and my hair dipped into some engine oil, so I had to snip that part off. But my hair is part of me, and Jowita [Przystal] is kind enough to tolerate it during training.”
Yassin, known for his work on Countryfile and Animal Park, revealed that he and his Strictly dance partner, Przystal, carefully decide whether to pin his hair back or let it flow freely depending on the routine.
“If the dress is flowing, let my hair flow as well!” he explained.
Beyond his hair, Yassin has also noticed physical changes since joining the competition. He recently disclosed that he has lost nearly 8.5 kilograms (1.3 stone) due to the demanding training schedule.
“We train for nine hours a day, and it’s tough on the body,” he said. “My knees and legs are definitely feeling it.”
Yassin has become a standout contestant on the BBC dance show, impressing both judges and viewers. In Week Four, he achieved the highest score of the series so far, earning 39 out of 40 for his Salsa performance.
His remarkable journey on Strictly Come Dancing continues to captivate audiences, proving that both his talent and his signature locks are here to stay.
